Rock climbing skills courses and Mountain Training qualifications
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If you are a hillwalker who enjoys being in the mountains but wants to reach some of the trickier parts or, if you are a climber and you want to see how we how to manage rope systems on scrambling terrain this is the course for you.You should have experience of scrambles or rock climbs. You will learn though a guided experience. We’ll undertake some of the higher grade scrambles in the UK’s best scrambling location. Our highly experienced and qualified instructors will look after you well and teach you the skills you need.
Read moreIf you are a hillwalker who enjoys being in the mountains but wants to reach some of the trickier parts or, if you are a climber and you want to learn how to manage your rope systems on scrambling terrain this is the course for you.You should have experience of scrambles or rock climbs. You may learn though a guided experience or you may be taught discrete skills it all depends on what you want. We’ll undertake some of the higher grade scrambles in the best UK scrambling location. Our highly experienced and qualified instructors will look after you well and teach you the skills you need
Read moreSo you're planning a trip to the Alps this year? Why not have a weekend with us in North Wales with a IFMGA Mountain Guide as part of your preparation before you go? We've designed a two day programme to fine tune the skills you need out there, so you'll be fired up and ready to go when you arrive. You'll cover; glacier travel, navigation and route planning, using huts, bivouac skills, and essential alpine ropework. You'll also learn how to interpret alpine weather and recognise hazards before they become a problem.
Read moreIf you're a competent rock climber and are planning a big walling trip for the first time, or want to hone skills you've already learned, this weekend course is for you.
You'll get practical instruction and advice on aid climbing techniques, hanging stances, hauling and sleeping on the wall; delivered by our experts who are highly qualified climbing instructors experienced in big wall climbing. They will share their in-depth knowledge of big walling with you in the controlled environment of the climbing wall. You'll then progress to local crags where you'll put what you've learned into practice, ready to get the most from your trip. As they're so passionate about what they do, they'll add that personal touch too by helping you plan your trip using their first-hand experience, so you can get the most out of it.
Read moreThis one day workshop's aimed at climbers who work with and coach young people, but it's also useful if you only work with adults. It takes research and theory on the developing child, and the risk of injury if inappropriate activities or training techniques are used to coach them. You'll explore how this research can help shape the way you structure your work to coach children and young people. On a practical level, you'll gain more understanding of how body movement and position impacts upon climbing style, and how to apply this knowledge to achieve increased performance and to help prevent climbing injuries.
Read moreIf you've already attended our BMC FUNdamentals of Climbing 1 workshop, come back to broaden your knowledge of athlete development. During this one day workshop you'll develop your coaching techniques for indoor and outdoor climbing. We'll cover precise and accurate footwork, using different handholds, body positioning, and the different techniques used to climb on steep, vertical and slightly overhanging rock. This workshop is part of the training pathway for Mountain Training's new Climbing Coach award scheme.
Read moreJoin our team of super psyched, super experienced Instructors on an odyssey of North Welsh Rock climbing. If there’s one thing our team like doing, its taking people out and opening their eyes to the almost unbelievable wealth of classic climbing in and around Eryri, Snowdonia. Come on PyB’s Classic Rock Tour and find out for yourself! Read more
This one day course is ideal for you if you work at a climbing wall, or a venue with permanent or mobile climbing towers. You'll be trained and assessed in the skills you need to supervise climbers on purpose built artificial climbing walls and boulders. The Abseil Module Asssessment is included in this assessment.
Read moreThis two day course is ideal for you if you work at a climbing wall, or a venue with permanent or mobile climbing towers. You'll be trained in the skills you need to supervise climbers on purpose built artificial climbing walls and boulders. The Abseil Module Training is included in this course, we'll show you how to supervise abseiling on artificial structures.
Read moreYou want to engage and inspire climbers when you're teaching them foundation skills so that they'll become as passionate about the sport as you are. Our one day Foundation Coach training course focuses on three main areas; the coaching skills and knowledge of what, and how, to coach more effectively; the technical competence to manage and deliver an enjoyable and stimulating session, usually to a group of individuals; and the culture of reflective practice in striving for continual improvement.
Read moreThe variety of rock types on our doorstep is second to none Read more
We'll give you the best introduction to get out and lead routes yourselfessential foundation skills that could take you climbing anywhere in the world! Read more
We'll give you the best introduction to get out and lead routes yourself, essential foundation skills that could take you climbing anywhere in the world! Read more
Get your body moving and build your confidence on this two-day introduction to rock climbing course in Snowdonia. Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the world, and no wonder; it’s one of the best ways to get fit, get social, and get outside. Get a taste for it under the guidance of our instructors, who have years of experience under their belts from climbing thousands of routes in the UK and beyond. Our instructors will keep you safe as you learn, and their infectious enthusiasm for the sport will show you how climbing could turn into a lifelong passion. Using excellent local crags and cliffs, they will get you climbing, show you what gear you need and how to use it. You’ll be set on the right route to becoming a rock climber in no time. Read more
Rock Climbing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and it’s not hard to see why. The movement is enjoyable, it allows you experience the most amazing places, it’s a really cool way to spend time with people, and it keeps you fit!This course is for the novice or indoor climber who wants to get onto the cliffs for themselves. You’ll spend 5 days with other people who are as keen as you and will be taught by one of our expert instructors.We’ll show you what outdoor climbing is about, take you to the best crags in the area and give you the skills to start doing things for yourself
Read moreGet your body moving and build your confidence on this two-day introduction to rock climbing for women course in Snowdonia. Rock climbing is one of the fastest growing outdoor sports in the world, and no wonder; it’s one of the best ways to get fit, get social, and get outside. Get a taste for it under the guidance of our instructors, who have years of experience under their belts from climbing thousands of routes in the UK and beyond. Our instructors will keep you safe as you learn, and their infectious enthusiasm for the sport will show you how climbing could turn into a lifelong passion. Using excellent local crags and cliffs, they will get you climbing, show you what gear you need and how to use it. You'll be set on the right route to becoming a rock climber in no time. Read more
If you feel ready to take your first steps into traditional lead climbing, or have been a regular leader on easier climbs for a while, then this is the course for you. Our team of highly skilled and experienced staff will spend time getting to know you, and really get to grips with where your climbing is at, and then look at how to take it to the next level. With such a complex and diverse activity, the pathway to improvement is often difficult to see, which is where we come in. Our staff team have all been climbing for many years, and have faced the same hurdles themselves, and helped many other folks overcome them too.
With such a wealth of world class rock climbing on our doorstep, we can really help you develop as an independent lead climber, and fast! The massive variety of rock types, styles, and types of climbing, all within a 45-minute drive of the centre, means we can cover masses of ground in just two days. This will give you the opportunity to get the absolute maximum out of your time with us, and really help you progress. The geographical location is also a massive plus, as the centre really is at the heart of Snowdonia, so we have easy access to all the famous mountain venues when the weather is good, but can also comfortably access coastal venues for times when it is less so. It is quite rate that there isn't some dry rock to climb in this area somewhere. Even when it does rain we have our own facilities on site to use to coach trad climbing including a fantastic new climbing wall.
Read moreIf you feel ready to take your first steps into traditional lead climbing, or have been a regular leader on easier climbs for a while, then this is the course for you. Our team of highly skilled and experienced staff will spend time getting to know you, and really get to grips with where your climbing is at, and then look at how to take it to the next level. With such a complex and diverse activity, the pathway to improvement is often difficult to see, which is where we come in. Our staff team have all been climbing for many years, and have faced the same hurdles themselves, and helped many other folks overcome them too.
With such a wealth of world class rock climbing on our doorstep, we can really help you develop as an independent lead climber, and fast ! The massive variety of rock types, styles, and types of climbing, all within a 45-minute drive of the centre, means we can cover masses of ground in five days. This will give you the opportunity to get the absolute maximum out of your time with us, and really help you progress. The geographical location is also a massive plus, as the centre really is at the heart of Snowdonia, so we have easy access to all the famous mountain venues for times when it is less so. It is quite rare that there isn't some dry rock to climb in this area somewhere. Even when it does rain we have our own facilities on site to use to coach trad climbing including a fantastic new climbing wall.
Read moreYou'll be assessed on all aspects of rock climbing and mountaineering in summer conditions, in the UK and Ireland over five days. You'll need to demonstrate the skills, judgement and decision making covered in the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award Syllabus to a team of assessors.
Read moreYou're an aspiring Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor and you're aiming to excel when you take your assessment. So you'll need to learn from the best in their field, who set the standard for outdoor instruction and will share their specialist knowledge with you, putting you to work, and pushing you to achieve your goal. This nine day training course covers all the essential aspects of the syllabus for the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Award. You'll hone your skills in; the technical aspects of rock climbing and mountaineering , improvised rescue, teaching, the mountain environment, navigation and group adventurous activities. You'll work hard out in Snowdonia's spectacular mountains by day, and attend evening lectures and activities to supplement the practical with the theory that supports it. The duration, intensity and activity on this course make it unique among Mountain Training qualifications. It's a learning experience that stays long in the memory.
Read moreThis five-day rock climbing course is for young people aged 12-17 year old who have experience climbing on indoor walls and want to make the transition to climb outside on rock. You'll get to learn new skills all around North Wales, on single and multipitch routes as well as on the best quality sport climbs. Our friendly, enthusiastic and highly qualified instructors will help you become self-sufficient as quickly as possible. We'll show you how to climb on different rock types, develop your technique, and to deal with a host of challenges unique to outdoor climbing. We may also try a number of climbing related activities, like sea level traversing, gorge walking or scrambling to improve your climbing, help you to use ropes better, and show you what other things are possible using rock and rope.
Read moreIf you'd like to push your grade, improve your technique and develop your confidence on rock then this two day course is for you. You'll get top level training and coaching from our highly qualified instructors in all aspects of rock climbing, from bouldering to sport to trad. It's a tried and tested formula that will hone your skills and move you to the next level, just look at Britain's top level climbers.
Read moreYou're a competent lead climber and you want to improve your performance. If you'd like to push your grade, improve your technique and climb more confidently then this five day course is for you. You'll get top level training and coaching from our highly qualified instructors in all aspects of rock climbing, from bouldering to sport to traditional. It's a tried and tested formula that will hone your skills and move you to the next level, just look at Britain's top level climbers.
Read moreYou're an established young climber (aged 12-17 years) and you want to be able to climb harder, longer and safer. This course could be the missing ingredient! Whether you'd like to improve your ropework or concentrate on your physical performance, we'll develop your climbing and improve your technique. Our highly qualified and experienced instructors will coach you on boulders, crags, and different rock types (North Wales has more than anywhere else in the world!) to help you become a more efficient climber with loads of different new skills and techniques. Working in small groups means you'll get lots of individual attention from your coaches and they'll help you choose the right level of adventure for you.
Read moreThe Rock Climbing Development Instructor qualification is for experienced instructors wishing to develop a participant's rock climbing proficiency. This development may extend to the teaching of lead climbing. The scope of this new award allows qualified instructors to develop climbers wishing to climb both sport and trad routes.
This is an individual assessment to check you meet the required standard in all aspects of the syllabus.
A training course must have been completed or exemption of training must have been sorted from Mountain Training before you can attend the assessment.
The Rock Climbing Development Instructor qualification is for experienced instructors wishing to develop a participant's rock climbing proficiency. This development may extend to the teaching of lead climbing. The scope of this new award allows qualified instructors to develop climbers wishing to climb both sport and traditional routes.
This training course will be delivered over four days and covers all the essential aspects of the syllabus. You will hone your skills in teaching the technical aspects of rock climbing on both sport and traditional routes. Based in the heart of northern Snowdonia we are ideally placed with a host of crags with both sport and traditional routes available. Given the varied locations it is always possible to find somewhere dry to climb. We also have a state of the art climbing facility which will be used for evening sessions and to enhance the outdoor delivery.
Read moreThis is the two day Mountain Training Rock Climbing Instructor Assessment. You'll need to show that you have all of the skills required to supervise safe climbing and abseiling sessions on single pitch crags and artificial structures in line with the syllabus.
Read moreYou're an experienced rock climber who wants to introduce people to climbing. Whether you're a parent, a volunteer or an outdoor centre instructor, this course prepares you to supervise safe climbing and abseiling sessions on single pitch crags and artificial structures. Our friendly, highly qualified instructors will equip you with the technical competence, teaching skills, and management and decision making, skills to become a single pitch instructor. The course runs over two days for those who have completed Climbing Wall Instructor Training as it doesn't cover the indoor element of the qualification.
Read moreYou're an experienced rock climber who wants to introduce people to climbing. Whether you're a parent, a volunteer or an outdoor centre instructor, this course prepares you to supervise safe climbing and abseiling sessions on single pitch crags and artificial structures. Our friendly, highly qualified instructors will equip you with the technical competence, teaching skills, and management and decision making, skills to become a single pitch instructor. The course runs over three days for those who have not completed Climbing Wall Instructor Training. A two-day version is available for people who have completed their Climbing Wall Instructor Training.
Read moreThis one week course is for young people (aged 12-17 years) who want to try the exciting and adventurous sport of rock-climbing. We'll take you from being a complete beginner to a rock climber who understands how to climb safely. During the week you'll have chance to build your experience on lots of different climbing sites - from smaller roadside crags, to high mountain crags, and even sea-cliff climbing. Our friendly, enthusiastic, highly qualified instructors will help you understand how to enjoy your new sport safely. We may also try a number of climbing related activities, like sea level traversing, gorge walking or scrambling to improve your climbing, help you to use ropes better, and show you what other things are possible using rock and rope.
Read moreThis immersive five day course is all about going climbing and gaining valuable mileage on rock. The aim of the course is to develop your climbing ability, knowledge and understanding of technical ropework and safety. Our instructors will take you out to all the best crags that will challenge you and develop you, so you can handle them yourself when you head out with friends. They'll have you following pitch after pitch of climbing on single and multi pitch crags, on stunning mountainous crags and wild, adventurous sea cliffs. This is a great course for you if you're thinking about starting lead climbing but don't yet have enough experience under your belt, or if you're not interested in lead climbing yet, but want to have some climbing adventures. So it's all about stacks of climbing and learning from some of the country's most experienced climbing instructors.
Read moreDeveloping climbing through experience is essential. On this week-long climbing camp for young people aged 12-17 years we will combine expert coaching and lots of climbing to help you consolidate basic skills on a range of subjects. We'll climb on a variety of rock types, from steep limestone to smooth slate and rough dolorite. You can have as much adventure as you want! We may also try a number of climbing related activities, like sea level traversing, gorge walking or scrambling. At Plas y Brenin we aim to chat with the group and tailor activities to match your ambitions, all with the aim of taking your climbing to a higher level.
Read morePut your experience and enthusiasm to good use and climb with the most experienced guides and instructors in Scotland. This superlative Winter Climbing experience aims to help you get the best from five days in Scotland. Our high staff to student ratio gives you a tailor made week of action to help you fulfil your winter climbing potential and move up the grades. We'll develop your skills by sharing our passion for winter climbing as we find our way up the big grade III to IV routes on ice and mixed terrain. Climbing some of the longer classics will mean the need for speedy and efficient climbing, and you're bound to pick up plenty of top tips along the way. This course will be delivered from our scenic winter base in Scotland, the Alltshellach hotel in North Ballachulish.
Read moreWinter climbing in Scotland offers rewards and challenges comparable with the best anywhere in the world. From a revision of the basic skills, to more advanced skills for steeper ground, you'll make rapid progress over this five day course. You'll discover all the ropework and climbing skills you need to get your winter climbing started on a variety of Scotland's finest routes. Our experts will take you progressively through the skills of winter climbing, teaching you to move competently, swiftly and safely over all types of winter terrain. You'll get masses of practical experience during the day, and we'll share our expert technical knowledge with you through a series of evening lectures to reinforce what you've learned out on the mountains. This course will be delivered from our scenic winter base in Scotland, the Alltshellach hotel in North Ballachulish.
Read moreYou've been on our Scottish Guided Winter Classics course and want to know what's next. Join us on this course to develop your winter climbing experience on some of the longer or more challenging routes and improve your technique still further. Our highly qualified, expert instructors will share their experience and knowledge of climbing, route choice, snow evaluation and conditions to ensure you make the most of what Scotland can offer. Through five days of climbing, you'll hone your skills with plenty of mileage over snow, ice and mixed ground, all the time sharing the adventure and judgement as we find our way. Teaming up in pairs means you'll gain the coaching you need at an appropriate level. We'll aim to break the Grade V barrier and climb some of the best winter routes in Scotland. This course will be delivered from our scenic winter base in Scotland, the Alltshellach hotel in North Ballachulish.
Read moreYou want to learn how to stay safe when you're rock climbing. This is the course that every rock climber should take. You'll spend two days learning valuable self rescue skills to get out of those tricky situations that should never arise but all too often do. If you have any doubt about how you'd react in an emergency, this weekend covering self rescue techniques, and how to cope if it all goes wrong, is an ideal way to put you and your climbing partner's minds at rest.
Read moreSpend an exhilarating weekend of guided mountaineering on some of Snowdonia's classics.
In winter, Welsh scrambles and gullies become more demanding and exciting. In a group of two, you'll accompany your instructor as you make your way up and over some of the most spectacular ridges or scrambles in Snowdonia.
Using a rope, ice axe and crampons wherever necessary, you'll overcome the complex challenges that winter conditions add to the adventure.
Kit: Don’t worry about having all the kit, as whilst you’ll need to bring your own personal essentials (like your toothbrush), you can arrange to hire more technical, specialist kit like an ice axe, crampons, winter mountaineering boots and a helmet, from the Plas y Brenin equipment store.
Kit hire is included in the price shown, subject to availability, and is sourced from leading manufacturers and checked to the latest safety requirements. You’ll find a comprehensive equipment list below.
Included in the residential price: Two nights’ accommodation on a bed, breakfast and evening meal* basis, plus packed lunches on course days. Expert instruction, kit hire, in-course transport, use of the on-site facilities and the all-important Wi-Fi password.
Provision of accommodation begins on the night prior to the start of the course and is not included on the final evening. *Dinner is not provided on the evening prior to the start of the course, nor on the final day of the course. Subject to availability and at an additional cost, extra meals and accommodation can be provide.
We are hugely experienced in preparing delicious meals for a wide range of requirements. Please let us know if you have any dietary requirements at the time of booking.
Age restrictions: The minimum participation age for this course is 14 years. Details about the required consents, permissions and the legal responsibilities of parent/guardian(s) can be found here: https://www.pyb.co.uk/terms-conditions/
Read morePresenting yourself for a Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor assessment is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication, gaining it is a huge achievement. Everyone who’s done it will remember how they felt at the start of the course; anxious, excited, ready. Our team of experienced assessors know this, having been there themselves. We’re here to create the best environment for you to showcase your skills and abilities as a winter mountaineering professional. We want you to feel supported throughout the week and to finish the course feeling you’ve learnt and developed, and ideally with the big tick.
The assessment will be run according to the Mountain Training syllabus and will be divided into a day of personal / guided climbing, a day of mountaineering, and two days of teaching. We recommend all candidates prepare thoroughly and fully understand the course syllabus. If you would like to discuss whether you’re ready to book an assessment, please feel free to contact Mountain Training or PYB directly. We look forward to working with you.
THESE COURSES ARE RESIDENTIAL TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL CANDIDATES ARE FULLY MAINTAINED. ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING IS PROVIDED FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR COURSE STARTS, AND FINISHES WITH BREAKFAST ON THE MORNING AFTER YOUR COURSE ENDS.
NON- RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS CAN BE NEGOTIATED, PLEASE CONTACT PYB DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS.
Though said in jest, we do believe ‘West is best’ for these courses. Quite simply, we have a huge diversity of mountain ranges and terrain all within a 45-minute drive. From celebrated mountaineering journeys in Glen Coe, to classic snow and ice gullies on Ben Nevis and Aonach Mor, and mixed climbing in the Southern Highlands, it’s all within easy reach. This means we can maximise our time on the hill, make the most of the conditions, and develop skills progressively and in context.
Our team of WMCI trainers have a combined experience of over 100 winter seasons; rest assured they’ll work with you to make the most of your time with us, and create the best learning and coaching environment possible. We’ll cover the WMCI syllabus as practically as possible, with time dedicated to skills that are trickier to develop independently. Evening sessions will support the more theoretical sides of what’s covered on the hill. Expect to leave the course brimming with new knowledge, inspired, and most likely, tired!
THESE COURSES ARE RESIDENTIAL TO ENSURE THE HIGHEST STANDARDS OF QUALITY AND SAFETY FOR ALL CANDIDATES ARE FULLY MAINTAINED. ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING IS PROVIDED FROM THE NIGHT BEFORE YOUR COURSE STARTS, AND FINISHES WITH BREAKFAST ON THE MORNING AFTER YOUR COURSE ENDS.
NON- RESIDENTIAL OPTIONS CAN BE NEGOTIATED, PLEASE CONTACT PYB DIRECTLY TO DISCUSS.
Got your own route in mind? We offer private instruction at very reasonable rates. Our bookings team will be happy to guide you.